3.3 The Structure of Our Constitution Mrs. Shadoin Mrs. Shadoin Civics and Economics

Sections of the Constitution The main purpose of the Constitution is to provide a framework for the US government; it is the highest authority in the nation and has three main parts. The main purpose of the Constitution is to provide a framework for the US government; it is the highest authority in the nation and has three main parts.

Sections of the Constitution The first is the Preamble, an introduction that states the goals and purposes of the government The first is the Preamble, an introduction that states the goals and purposes of the government Next are seven articles that describe the structure of government Next are seven articles that describe the structure of government Third are 27 amendments, or changes to the Constitution Third are 27 amendments, or changes to the ConstitutionPREAMBLEARTICLES(7)AMENDMENTS(27)

The Preamble States that the power of government comes from the people, government exists to serve them, also states the six purposes of government States that the power of government comes from the people, government exists to serve them, also states the six purposes of government

To form a more perfect union Means- to unite the states so they can operate as a single nation Means- to unite the states so they can operate as a single nation

To establish justice Means- to make certain all citizens are treated equally Means- to make certain all citizens are treated equally

To insure domestic tranquility Means- to maintain peace and order, keep citizens and property safe from harm Means- to maintain peace and order, keep citizens and property safe from harm

To provide for the common defense Means- to be ready militarily to protect the country and citizens from attack Means- to be ready militarily to protect the country and citizens from attack

To promote the general welfare Means- to help people live healthy, happy, and prosperous lives Means- to help people live healthy, happy, and prosperous lives

To secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity Means- to guarantee basic rights of all Americans, including future generations Means- to guarantee basic rights of all Americans, including future generations

Article I The Legislative Branch (MAKES LAWS) The Legislative Branch (MAKES LAWS) States Congress, made up of two houses, the Senate and House of Representatives, will have all lawmaking authority States Congress, made up of two houses, the Senate and House of Representatives, will have all lawmaking authority

Article II The Executive Branch (ENFORCES LAWS) The Executive Branch (ENFORCES LAWS) Headed by a president and vice president Headed by a president and vice president It lists the president’s powers, including the power to command the armed forces and make treaties It lists the president’s powers, including the power to command the armed forces and make treaties

Article III The Judicial Branch (INTERPRETS LAWS) The Judicial Branch (INTERPRETS LAWS) Calls for “one Supreme Court” and lower courts as appropriate Calls for “one Supreme Court” and lower courts as appropriate

Article IV Explains the relationship between states and the national government Explains the relationship between states and the national government

Article V Specifies under what conditions the Constitution can be changed Specifies under what conditions the Constitution can be changed These changes are known as amendments These changes are known as amendments

Article VI Declares the Constitution the “supreme Law of the Land.” Declares the Constitution the “supreme Law of the Land.” This is known as the supremacy clause This is known as the supremacy clause >

Article VII The Constitution would take effect when 9 states ratified it The Constitution would take effect when 9 states ratified it